Play: The Height of the Storm

Went to bed last night to the sound of a newly humming air vent. I actually put on a coat and went out to investigate - it turned out to be a couple of vents near the lifts. It was still humming this morning, when I was rudely awakened by housekeeping tapping on my door. I told her I was still getting up, and rolled over to go back to sleep. That was successful - and I needed the extra with the lack of sleep caused by that humming! Anyway, I re-awoke with half an hour to go to check-out.. cue a hurried departure. I told the guy on reception about the air vent - he made a note.

It was a beautiful day in Amsterdam, as I walked back to Centraal Station.

I remember having more trouble once before, with the train to the airport - no such this time, I had change for the machine, I found the platform, and took a seat way before it departed. A 17-minute journey, and I was making my way through security - where I had a couple of issues. Firstly, I needed to get a new bag for my liquids - my old one had torn. Well gee, they're about 20% smaller here - I checked against the old one! Well, I had to do it - the roll-on deodorant had to be sacrificed; of the bulky items, it is the easiest to replace.

Pretty much straight through to the gate - airports never do give you much time to mess around. And gee, Easyjet were much less petty on the return journey about that "one-bag" policy - which I was very glad of, as I'd have hated to try to squish both handbag and duty free into my already bulging case. Had my passport checked heading to the gate. Had it checked at the gate. 40 minutes or so later, I was having it checked at Stansted - I ask you, is this not all a bit excessive? As for the signs saying "100% of passengers' passports checked" - eh, no, they still don't check them on flights from Ireland! And with me typically getting in after midnight, am I glad of that..

Speaking of which, I was able to use the unused portion of an old Stansted Express ticket on my trip into town. And as I checked my plans, I realised that I'd have to make a pit-stop at the office and leave my things there.This evening I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for The Height of the Storm, at Wyndham's. Booked through What's on Stage. Thing is, it was press night, with an early start..!

Oh Lordy. Well, I dumped my stuff and raced out to the Co-Op to grab something to microwave, raced back and ate it. And by that stage, if I were to get to the theatre in time to socialise, Tube it'd have to be - I went Northern Line all the way, changing branch at Euston to get me down to Leicester Square, which is right next door to the theatre. Goodness, I passed a photo shoot on the way in - but yes, I was entitled to shuffle past it, feeling even scruffier than usual! Grabbed my ticket in the hubbub of the lobby, passing folks in evening dress, and panted my way up all those stairs to the balcony bar, where sure enough, my group were at the back and we passed some convivial minutes in chat. Ordering a white wine, I saw a bottle of chablis on the bar and said that'd do - and it did, very nicely!

Nothing at all wrong with my seat, apart from the lady in front with the big head. "Restricted view" - no, not really! Just high up.

That lady leaned to the left for much of the play, which was handy for me - it was when she moved more to the centre that I had problems.

The play is 80 minutes, straight through - started unusually late, probably because of all the photo-taking! A translation from the French, as you might guess from several French-sounding names, and references to having to travel to Paris for work. We meet an elderly man, Andre (played by Jonathan Pryce), who used to be a great writer. We meet his wife (played by Eileen Atkins) - who may or may not actually be dead. We meet their daughters, and the younger daughter (Elise)'s partner Paul, an estate agent who may, or may not, be about to sell the house from under Andre.

Beautifully acted, beautiful set. The first scene sees an apparently senile old man, being cared for by his wife and daughters, the latter having come for the weekend. Honestly, I found this scene quite slow. Typical stuff, busy daughter with her own life wants to suggest "remedies" for her father's wellbeing that he's not at all happy with. And I was losing patience entirely when whatever we were being set up for at the end was completely contradicted in the next scene! Until.. after some more twists and turns, it seemed to become apparent that what we were watching were actually the twists and turns of the mind of this intelligent man who's losing his faculties. The confusion endemic to someone who's developing dementia, and hardly knows what's real and what isn't, mixing things up in his mind.

Well, that's my take on it, and a few different ones were revealed in the post-show discussion. Anyway, once I latched onto that idea, I decided it was a very clever play - and one that probably merits a second viewing. Not that I'll probably manage that, mind. But - recommended. Most thought-provoking. Runs till 1 December.

Afterwards, many of us repaired to The Hippodrome, where sadly they'd closed our side lounge for renovations, but we made do with the main bar. And as we debriefed, we shared a lovely bottle of fruit pastilles that someone had bought in the theatre - well done, that man! Great to see everyone, and a nice re-introduction to London life, after a few days away.

Tomorrow, I'm with Let's Do This for another Turkish meal - this time at Sofra. It'll also be the first time since June I'll have met Mary! 


On Thursday, film again - already booked though, because they were already selling out. It's part of the London Film Festival at the BFI - Be Natural is the story of Alice Guy - Blaché, the first female filmmaker, and is narrated by Jodie Foster. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, again.

On Monday, back with North London Friends for The Wild Duck, by Ibsen, at the Almeida. I wasn't in time to get one of their tickets, so booked my own - what the hey.

Next Tuesday, comedy with Ahir Shah at Soho Theatre.

On the 17th, a real dose of nostalgia - Mayerling ballet, at the Opera House. My favourite ballet, this was also the last event we attended here with the Man with the Hat. And the second last event ever. At least it'll be less evocative since, for once, I'm sitting facing full-on! He always had us in the slips, so I haven't faced the Opera House stage since I started with his groups! I'd watch it blindfolded just to have him back again, though. We miss you, MwtH.

On the 18th - why, I'm off to Manchester. For U2, unsurprisingly. Yes, I get busier around now as they come around these parts. Taking the train that evening - it was the cheapest, and so much handier than having to make my way to and from airports and watch what I pack! I should arrive walking distance from my hotel, Roomzzz Corn Exchange, which itself is walking distance from the venue, the Manchester Arena. And right beside the shopping centre, apparently! That could be handy.. if only to buy provisions, as this is an aparthotel, so I can cater for myself.

The concerts themselves are on the 19th and 20th, and I'm expecting a more enthusiastic audience than my section last night! Ironically, the English concerts are the only ones whose tickets are being posted to me - and would you believe it, what with booking them in January and moving in June, I completely forgot to make the connection. So I forgot to update my address with Ticketmaster (TM). Just remembered recently, by which time it seems they'd already been posted. I've contacted my old flatmates, but the only response I got was from one who's also moved out - happily, TM says, if I contact them next week, they'll void the old tickets and issue new ones that I can pick up at the box office. There's always some palaver on a U2 tour, and this isn't the first time I've had to pick up my tickets in Manchester!! Outside of England, they're all e-tickets..

I take the train back on the 21st. Better not leave it too late, as I've actually booked for the Smithfield & Clerkenwell Walk: Guts & Glory, with Walking in London - but more specifically, with Katie of Look Up London! Excellent - I was booked for this in July, but she had to cancel. She's one of the best around. Should be close enough to me, too, and it doesn't start too early. And it being a Funzing event (like all of Walking in London's) I scoured my old Funzing discount codes, and discovered that Funzing_Fb20 seems to be working again - for all of them I've recently booked! So, a 20% discount - better than any recently offered on their Facebook page.

On the 22nd, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club for Buddha Babies, again at Soho Theatre. Naturally, not advertised on their Meetup group.

On the 23rd & 24th, I don't have to travel so far to see U2 - they're playing the O2 in London. These tickets, I got my address changed in time for, it seems - they're also being posted. Helen is going on the 23rd.. sat in the corporate box, poshly! Nah, I'd rather be closer and sweatier, thanks! I wonder how many of them stand during the show..

The 25th is my colleague's last day before he quits for a new life in Stockholm - we're headed out that night. Amazing that I still had that day free when we arranged it!

On the 26th, I fly to Belfast. Yep, U2 again. Told ya. Staying in the Crescent Townhouse, walking distance from the SSE Arena, where the concerts take place on the 27th and 28th. On the 29th, I'm taking the train down to my mother for a week - makes more sense than jetting back and forth to her!

On the 5th, I'm back up to Dublin. U2 again, dont'cha know? Staying in the Clayton again, which is a hop, skip and jump from the 3Arena, where there are concerts on the 5th and 6th. Would you believe, not even I could swing a ticket for the 5th - well, I'll just rock up on the day, and hopefully I can get something at the box office. I have heard of such things happening. I've had stranger things happen!

On the 7th, I fly back to London (BA) - purely so I can work on the 8th, before flying back to Dublin that night! Was supposed to be Cityjet, but they've now ended their flight schedule after this month - so now I'm going Ryanair. Same hotel, same venue, same band - on the 9th and 10th of next month. I fly back on the 11th, exhausted, and finished with U2 concerts for the year!

On the 12th, I've decided to treat myself to a performance of Macbeth, at the Wanamaker Playhouse.

On the 13th, we have our monthly team outing - our colleague from Mexico might be joining us!

On the 14th, back with UITCS at last for Love Lies Bleeding, at the Print Room at the Coronet. Got my ticket from London Theatre Direct.

On the 15th, I'm going to try the Seven Deadly Sins Pub Naughty History Tour. Walking in London again, so discounted again! Then I'm back to Ireland again for the weekend.

On the 19th, News of the Strange, from the Crick Crack Club, at Soho Theatre. Not advertised on their Meetup group, of course.

On the 20th, back with UITCS for Pinter at the Pinter - Pinter plays at the Pinter Theatre. Two long ones on this occasion - this is Programme Four: Moonlight & Night School.

On the 21st, back at last with The London Jazz Meetup, who are off to the London Jazz Festival for a concert by the Faraj Suleiman Quartet at King's Place. UK premiere, apparently!

On the 22nd, with UITCS at the Garrick for Don Quixote. The only cheap tickets left for this were terrible, so I went a bit upmarket. A bit - I'm still behind a pillar!

On the 23rd, I'm on a Paranormal Activity Tour - ooh! Now, for this one, we get ghost-hunting equipment, which could make it interesting - I don't fancy the dowsing rods, myself, but we'll see. Walking in London, again. Discounted, again. And this was after my loyalty discount - so I got it at better than half price! which is good, considering the price.

On the 24th, I'm off on my own to see A Small Place, at the Gate.

On the 25th, back at last to Winter Wonderland! That evening, I'm off to Cirque Berserk - an annual tradition for me. The latest show is the cheapest, so that's the one I booked.

On the 26th, I'm back with UITCS for Programme Three of Pinter at the Pinter - Landscape / A Kind of Alaska / Monologue.

On the 27th, I'm going to see Company, by Sondheim, at the Gielgud. No tickets available for the upper levels on the official site - they must all have been bought up by resellers! Cheapest I found was with OfficialLondonTheatre, run by See Tickets.

On the 28th, I'm with Walking in London again (and the same discount) for the Haunted London Pub Tour.

On the 29th, I'm back with UITCS at the National for Hadestown. Then back to Ireland again for the weekend.

On the 3rd of December, I'm back to the National for I'm Not Running.

On the 4th, I'm off to the Bush, for Drip.

On the 5th, LDN Talks @ Night and London Speaks Sessions (both Funzing). This is a "Winterville" talk on The Science of Santa, where we get the scientific explanation of how he does it. Taking place at The Windmill.

The 6th could be interesting - Hazel of Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts, London Guided Walks (and, indeed, Walking in London) has a Christmas Carol Tour. Now, the last two events I booked with her turned out to be no-shows.. the first might not have been her fault, as she was advertising someone else's event, but the second, she just missed the ball on and left three of us standing on a street corner. We shall see whether this happens, I guess! Now, it's technically more expensive if you book on Funzing - but if you have my discount ;-) it comes down to the same price she charges on her own site, without the booking fee! So I did it that way.

On the 7th, back with UITCS at the Royal Court, for The Cane. Got the very last ticket, phew!

On the 8th, with them again at the Orange Tree Theatre for The Double Dealer.

On the 9th, the Crick Crack Club is back at the British Museum for I Know Not, an afternoon of Sufi legend. Not that their Meetup group seems to know anything about it.

On the 10th, I'm off to the Bridge Theatre for A Very, Very, Very Dark Matter, by Martin McDonagh. Starring Jim Broadbent, this is a dark take on Hans Christian Anderson!

And on the 11th of December, I'm going with North London Friends to The Convert, at the Young Vic. Discounted top-price seats, it seems!

Film: BlacKkKlansman

Roll up, roll up, the U2 circus is in town again (figuratively speaking) - I'm in Amsterdam. The actual concerts aren't until tomorrow and Monday, but I came for the weekend: a relaxing one, given that they've played here often enough before that I've seen all the sights I want to! Tomorrow's concert, I had to get a ticket for from Viagogo, but Monday's I managed to get from Ticketmaster (TM), the official vendors. The concerts are in the Ziggo Dome again, and I'm staying in Hampshire Hotel Eden, handy for Rembrandtplein, where the restaurants are, and for the no. 4 metro line to the venue. Flights (Easyjet) and hotel booked through Expedia.

So, I took myself off yesterday evening- just as I was getting ready to leave, someone came around with a packet of Maltesers, snaffled from the office manager's desk; she'd ordered them for our regular Friday snacks,  but the office was quite empty because of the Tube strike, so she hadn't bothered putting them out. He'd kindly stepped in, and after distributing some, left the rest of the bag with me, saying I'd appreciate them most! I decided they might be handy,  and popped them in my case. 

Left slightly later, and got a slightly later Stansted Express,  than usual- the flight was later than the usual one I get, and Easyjet closes the gate later than Ryanair. The train was less packed than I'm used to, and I got a seat this time. We went slowly for a while- the driver apologised,  saying we were stuck behind a slower train. Dunno what happened to that train- maybe they zapped it out of existence- but after a bit,  we took off like a rocket! Felt quite unsafe, actually, with the uneven track and the train lurching from side to side.

As we approached the airport,  the driver apologised for arriving about 10 minutes late. You what?! We got there in 55mins or so! Now, I know the posters advertise a journey time of 47 minutes,  but honestly,  since I started back with them this year,  I've never known them to do the trip in under an hour. Maybe it's the time I go at?

In Stansted, I had time to go to the loo, making sure to go to one NOT in the main departure lounge, which is crazy. The gate turned out to be one where you get off at the first stop of the transit.. which turns out to be much posher than the second stop. As I waited to board,  an announcement made it very clear that handbags were to be placed within trolley bags- a daft policy, and unnecessary, as handbags can be put under the seat and trolley bags overhead, so one isn't taking space from the other. This is also a policy that Ryanair gave up on years ago. 

I dozed for most of the flight, which was only 40 mins long, so that by the time the trolley got to us in row 12, the 10 minute warning of landing had just been made, and the people either side of me were the last to be served! Anyway, it made a nice change not to have to wait for baggage- although, as of next month, Ryanair is ending their free gate check policy, so I'll be getting priority, to bring my hand luggage on board, and this will be more common for me.

So, once I was through the slow queue for passport control,  I was essentially free. To observe some curious art exhibits in the airport! Apparently, you can buy them:

More photos here. A cheap and fast train into town made me very jealous- there's nothing like that in my usual airports! And on the decently short walk to the hotel,  I passed pretty much every stereotype of Amsterdam: bikes (yes,  it's a free-for-all), canals, massage parlours, head shops ..

Google Maps directed me around the back, which I ignored- when I got there,  I discovered it was because of roadworks on Amstel. Although a bit dusty, it's perfectly passable, and anyway I can't find the rear entrance. Yay, the hotel has a lift! And although it's a complicated building,  a combination of several, I've seen worse. A bigger room than typical for Amsterdam. I put the Do Not Disturb on the door,  since I wasn't planning on being up for breakfast- ridiculously expensive,  as usual. As supper, those Maltesers proved handy. 

Woke late and decided to start with the sachet of hot chocolate they'd provided- unfortunately,  I couldn't get the kettle they also provided to work! So I just gave up on that and meandered out for brunch. Where I was defeated by the tyranny of the sheer choice of restaurants around here! With every second one a steakhouse, of course I ended up in one, although I wasn't ready for a steak - El Rancho Steakhouse  has a chicken satay, so I picked that. It was delish.. as was the sauvignon blanc I had with it. And yes, the chocolate bombe does not disappoint. 

Along the way,  I passed the most spectacular building:

Would you credit it, it's a cinema- the Pathé Tuschinkski, reputed to be one of the most beautiful in the world. And in the Netherlands, they sensibly don't dub films, so if it's in your native language,  you're sorted! Unfortunately,  the good stuff wasn't on till later. Instead,  it being a lovely, sunny evening (unlike the soggy day I believe they had in London), I meandered off to explore. On my travels,  I came across an enormous orange cat, sat on the counter of a gift shop. Is that the same one I met years ago in Dampkring, or is there a family of them? Found the Leonidas shop, joined the long queue and purchased,  then took myself back to the hotel for a while. 

It's only a five minute walk from the hotel to the cinema, where unfortunately an event was taking place in the main lobby and we had to enter by the crowded side- which isn't ornate in the slightest. She remarked that I was lucky to get a single seat- I think they reserve most of them for couples. Anyway, our seats were comfy - although this film is long enough that my bum was complaining long before the end.

I'd chosen BlacKkKlansman, which I've had in view for a while. It's the true story of a black police officer that decided to infiltrate the KKK. Of course, when they want to meet him in person,  he has to get a white officer to impersonate him. One of their colleagues had a familiar look - sure enough, he's Steve Buscemi's brother, Mike. Harry Belafonte shows up as a speaker at a black rally. Directed by Spike Lee, it has the same production team as the excellent Get Out.

Well, the story is undoubtedly fascinating, and the climax is very tense. There are several moments of hilarity, as the characters consider what an absurd situation they're in. Being a Spike Lee film, it's very political- it opens with a white supremacist (Alec Baldwin in yet another cameo) shooting a promotional video, and we're left in no doubt what an idiot he is, as we're shown him stumbling over his lines. The subject of white police officers persecuting innocent black people frequently comes up, which is still,  of course,  a bone of contention today. And at the end, we get plenty of footage of modern day white supremacists, as well as Trump's speech, where he apparently defended them. The implication is clear - nothing has changed. 

So, enjoyable and relevant. Unfortunately, every now and again,  it goes cartoonishly over the top. And near the end, where we cut from a KKK ceremony where they're chanting about white power to a black meeting where they're chanting about black power,  I wasn't sure whether their differences were being contrasted,  or their similarities compared. Perhaps both - our hero has little time for the more extreme elements of black power, and hatred of whites. A good film, but not as clever as it thinks it is.

Ooh, but on the way out,  we left through the main lobby!

Two U2 concerts- and doubtless some steak- over the next couple of days. Flying back Tuesday lunchtime, taking the whole day off, naturally, and that evening I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for The Height of the Storm, at Wyndham's. Booked through What's on Stage.

On Wednesday, I'm with Let's Do This for another Turkish meal - this time at Sofra. It'll also be the first time since June I'll have met Mary! 


On Thursday, film again - already booked though, because they were already selling out. It's part of the London Film Festival at the BFI - Be Natural is the story of Alice Guy - Blaché, the first female filmmaker, and is narrated by Jodie Foster. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, again.

On the 15th, back with North London Friends for The Wild Duck, by Ibsen, at the Almeida. I wasn't in time to get one of their tickets, so booked my own - what the hey.

On the 16th, comedy with Ahir Shah at Soho Theatre.

On the 17th, a real dose of nostalgia - Mayerling ballet, at the Opera House. My favourite ballet, this was also the last event we attended here with the Man with the Hat. And the second last event ever. At least it'll be less evocative since, for once, I'm sitting facing full-on! He always had us in the slips, so I haven't faced the Opera House stage since I started with his groups! I'd watch it blindfolded just to have him back again, though. We miss you, MwtH.

On the 18th - why, I'm off to Manchester. For U2, unsurprisingly. Yes, I get busier around now as they come around these parts. Taking the train that evening - it was the cheapest, and so much handier than having to make my way to and from airports and watch what I pack! I should arrive walking distance from my hotel, Roomzzz Corn Exchange, which itself is walking distance from the venue, the Manchester Arena. And right beside the shopping centre, apparently! That could be handy.. if only to buy provisions, as this is an aparthotel, so I can cater for myself.

The concerts themselves are on the 19th and 20th. Ironically, the English concerts are the only ones whose tickets are being posted to me - and would you believe it, what with booking them in January and moving in June, I completely forgot to make the connection. So I forgot to update my address with TM. Just remembered last weekend, by which time it seems they'd already been posted. I've contacted my old flatmates, but the only response I got was from one who's also moved out - happily, TM says, if I contact them that week, they'll void the old tickets and issue new ones that I can pick up at the box office. There's always some palaver on a U2 tour, and this isn't the first time I've had to pick up my tickets in Manchester!! Outside of England, they're all e-tickets..

I take the train back on the 21st. Better not leave it too late, as I've actually booked for the Smithfield & Clerkenwell Walk: Guts & Glory, with Walking in London - but more specifically, with Katie of Look Up London! Excellent - I was booked for this in July, but she had to cancel. She's one of the best around. Should be close enough to me, too, and it doesn't start too early. And it being a Funzing event (like all of Walking in London's) I scoured my old Funzing discount codes, and discovered that Funzing_Fb20 seems to be working again - for all of them I've recently booked! So, a 20% discount - better than any recently offered on their Facebook page.

On the 22nd, I'm back with the Crick Crack Club for Buddha Babies, again at Soho Theatre. Naturally, not advertised on their Meetup group - they have advertised an event this weekend, but of course, I'm out of the country.

On the 23rd & 24th, I don't have to travel so far to see U2 - they're playing the O2 in London. These tickets, I got my address changed in time for, it seems - they're also being posted. Helen is going on the 23rd.. sat in the corporate box, poshly! Nah, I'd rather be closer and sweatier, thanks!

The 25th is my colleague's last day before he quits for a new life in Stockholm - we're headed out that night. Amazing that I still had that day free when we arranged it!

On the 26th, I fly to Belfast. Yep, U2 again. Told ya. Staying in the Crescent Townhouse, walking distance from the SSE Arena, where the concerts take place on the 27th and 28th. On the 29th, I'm taking the train down to my mother for a week - makes more sense than jetting back and forth to her!

On the 5th of next month, I'm back up to Dublin. U2 again, dont'cha know? Staying in the Clayton again, which is a hop, skip and jump from the 3Arena in Dublin, where there are concerts on the 5th and 6th. Would you believe, not even I could swing a ticket for the 5th - well, I'll just rock up on the day, and hopefully I can get something at the box office. I have heard of such things happening. I've had stranger things happen!

On the 7th, I fly back to London (BA) - purely so I can work on the 8th, before flying back to Dublin that night! Was supposed to be Cityjet, but they've now ended their flight schedule after this month - so now I'm going Ryanair. Same hotel, same venue, same band - on the 9th and 10th. I fly back on the 11th, exhausted, and finished with U2 concerts for the year!

On the 12th, I've decided to treat myself to a performance of Macbeth, at the Wanamaker Playhouse.

On the 13th, we have our monthly team outing - might only be the two of us, but hey!

On the 14th, back with UITCS at last for Love Lies Bleeding, at the Print Room at the Coronet. Got my ticket from London Theatre Direct.

On the 15th, I'm going to try the Seven Deadly Sins Pub Naughty History Tour. Walking in London again, so discounted again! Then I'm back to Ireland again for the weekend.

On the 19th, News of the Strange, from the Crick Crack Club, at Soho Theatre. Not advertised on their Meetup group, of course.

On the 20th, back with UITCS for Pinter at the Pinter - Pinter plays at the Pinter Theatre. Two long ones on this occasion - this is Programme Four: Moonlight & Night School.

On the 21st, back at last with The London Jazz Meetup, who are off to the London Jazz Festival for a concert by the Faraj Suleiman Quartet at King's Place. UK premiere, apparently!

On the 22nd, with UITCS at the Garrick for Don Quixote. The only cheap tickets left for this were terrible, so I went a bit upmarket. A bit - I'm still behind a pillar!

On the 23rd, I'm on a Paranormal Activity Tour - ooh! Now, for this one, we get ghost-hunting equipment, which could make it interesting - I don't fancy the dowsing rods, myself, but we'll see. Walking in London, again. Discounted, again. And this was after my loyalty discount - so I got it at better than half price! which is good, considering the price.

On the 24th, I'm off on my own to see A Small Place, at the Gate.

On the 25th, back at last to Winter Wonderland! That evening, I'm off to Cirque Berserk - an annual tradition for me. The latest show is the cheapest, so that's the one I booked.

And on the 26th of next month, I'm back with UITCS for Programme Three of Pinter at the Pinter - Landscape / A Kind of Alaska / Monologue.

Prague (via Helsinki)

You'll recall that, when last seen, I was stewing in Gatwick, waiting for my rebooked Easyjet flight, as I'd missed the one that morning. Nine and a half hours later, the next one was to go.. well, at least I'd still get there that day, without missing anything much.

I was too early to go through security, so sat and wrote the blog instead. (Photos now fixed, if you want to check them out.) Rumour online had it that three hours beforehand was the deadline.. after all that blogging, my phone needed charging, and I'd seen a handy breakfast bar-style charging point earlier, which I now made for. I was lucky enough to get a charging point, if not a seat - I see each socket also has a USB port, handily. When the time came for me to try security again, the phone wasn't sufficiently charged, but the website said they had the same facilities after security, so I went through.

First thing I saw on the other side was the departures board. Funny how, for a flight leaving at 6.25, gate information wasn't coming through till 7.55.. Blast, it was delayed. Anyway, next priority was food.. I was starving.

Garfunkel's beckoned.. it was the first one I saw, anyway. Didn't see the sign for the lift, which was well-hidden, so I lugged my bag up the stairs. After a short wait, I was seated. Now, it may have been my fault, because when he reassured me that I'd be served quickly, I told him my flight was delayed. I was duly kept waiting forever. When I finally mentioned it to someone, service did improve. And it was very moreish.. nothing sufficiently chocolatey for dessert, so I had a good hot chocolate instead.

And then I really needed to charge my phone. Where was the charging station? Where were the charging lockers I was promised on the website?! I did two tours of the departure lounge before giving up and asking one of the workers in Dixon's. She directed me to the seating round the side, where there were some sockets. Sadly, all the seats beside sockets were taken, so I spent the next 90 mins on the floor, babysitting my charging phone. Bloody cold it was, too. I lashed into them on customer complaints..  no acknowledgement they'd done anything wrong, of course, just an assurance that they were constantly improving.. 

I'd just nicely got the phone charged when the gate number was displayed. Estimated departure now 8.45 - the website was sticking to 7.55, but I'd never believed that. Well, off I headed. I hadn't cleared the departure lounge before the boards were reading "Gate closed".. Easyjet subsequently apologised for that, it was apparently Gatwick's fault. 10 mins more it took us to get all the way to the gate.. which, I guess you could say, was closed, as it wasn't open! No staff there.. we hunkered down and waited, somewhat blocking the corridor to all the gates further down. 

You can judge a company by how it behaves when things go wrong. On that basis, Easyjet is in serious trouble. The plane had arrived all right..  and I have to wonder whether it was a pilot that had come off that plane, who was looking at us worriedly, speaking on his mobile. Finally, someone appeared to make an announcement; the disembarking crew had worked their maximum number of hours, and couldn't fly us. He'd get back to us when he knew more.

WTF?? Did they really only just find this out when the plane arrived? I suppose it was because of the delay - which was never explained to us. It took them another half hour to decide they couldn't find a replacement crew, so were cancelling the flight - and another half hour to find a security team to lead us back out. Where they told us that someone would be available to rebook us. They weren't. Had probably gone home. (What the hell are they doing, leaving a customer service desk unoccupied, while there are still passengers in the airport?) In due course, someone appeared with a schedule of our rights..  by now, seats were disappearing fast, and the best I could do was arrive at 7.25pm the next day. Flying with Norwegian.. at 9.50am.. via Helsinki! I was going to miss half the conference.. but what can you do?

Well, it was from Gatwick again - and me swearing it'd be an age before I darkened their doors! So I bought a return Gatwick Express ticket, which I expect them to pay for as well as my flight, and took myself home again. Another early start beckoned - God, I was exhausted! Isn't it funny, by the way, how the Gatwick Express runs every 15 minutes from the airport, but only every 30 minutes to it..? You might think that people heading to the airport would be in more of a hurry.. 

Well, this time went much better. I had to get up at the same time, but gee, Norwegian doesn't have the stupid baggage restrictions that Easyjet does. So, no morning panic. Plus I was mostly already packed. And at Victoria, I took the correct exit for the station - the opposite direction to Cardinal Place. Upshot was, I was in plenty of time for the 7.30 train, which would have saved me all this trouble the day before. Why, I even had time to buy a pain au chocolat. Already checked in - and bless, they texted me a link to my boarding pass! For free.. 

Even the boarding gate was nearer. Lots of folk on the flight were wearing Mad-Croc gear.. And Norwegian has an interesting boarding policy I haven't seen before, whereby the front of the plane board via airbridge, and the back by steps.. Slightly different plane configuration, but a comfy flight, and we duly landed in Helsinki.

Vast airport. Not that many facilities though.. best I could see for eating was Burger King, so I bought a bar of chocolate and made do with that. Nature sounds in the loo. I must say, I like their boarding procedure! Queue up, and it's self service.. scan your pass, and you're through. (I'd only just remembered to check in for my second leg, that morning).

And so I finally arrived in Prague. (Thanks Norwegian, I'd happily go with you again!) There was no sign of my hotel transfer - turned out he'd been delayed in traffic. In the meantime, I tried getting out some Czech Korunas from a nearby ATM - however, maybe it was my exhausted state, but all the amounts seemed quite large, and excessive for my stay, which would be less than 24 hours. So I skipped it - they take the Euro in Prague anyway, and I'd packed mine, given that I was also passing through Finland. My driver arrived shortly after, and in a bit I was finally in the hotel, and able to relax a little. I was delighted that the restaurant was still open - well, with the scarcity of customers, he served us in the bar:

Really limited menu - salads, two kinds of spaghetti, burgers. I had a burger - not gourmet, but well cooked, and very, very welcome. No desserts appealed - so I had a second glass of wine, and collapsed to bed. Pretty standard hotel room - mattress a bit hard for my liking, and aircon too loud.

The breakfast buffet was quite decent, and the conference venue - the Autoklub - was just next door, notable for being covered by scaffolding. I wouldn't have recognised it, were it not for Google Maps. Gorgeous inside, all marble:

More photos here. I managed to register without fuss, and was flummoxed that this was the first conference I'd ever attended where I didn't get a notebook and pen! (Well, it's been nine years, and they all use laptops now.) I did get a free t-shirt, mind. Oh, and they served a breakfast even more extensive than that at the hotel! I had some pancakes, but found them a bit doughy, but they did come with syrup.. Anyway, I knew things wouldn't appeal for the full day, and after a couple of talks, I took myself off. Wasn't on a sightseeing mission, as I'd already been twice before, but did want a run around the shops. Prague is a beautiful place..

I ran out and back during the day, between sessions at the conference - where I got lunch, too. And early in the evening, I decided I'd had enough of the conference, got my bag from the hotel - where they kindly overlooked the fact that I'd lost my ticket - and changed my taxi booking to - now. Dozed in the taxi to the airport. Saw I'd have been too early to check in for my BA flight - but that was ok, because I'd already checked in online, and security let me through! Bought a few souvenirs, found a seat beside a charging point - and in due course, wouldn't you know it, my gate turned out to be right in front of me!

Boarded without issue. It was then that the fun started. Our very sarcastic pilot explained to us that, despite the weather in Heathrow having been fine earlier, they were now limiting the number of flights coming in, apparently due to bad weather - strong winds, in particular. So we had a long delay before we could leave. Oh and then we had to wait for a Sichuan Air plane to leave, just before us. And they apparently needed a tug - because, as he said, they were afraid of hitting something. "Ladies and gentlemen," he said, "you couldn't make this up. They - can't find a tug!" Pause, cue laughter from cabin. I couldn't believe my bad luck - this trip was cursed. "Oh wait," came the announcement, "they've found one."

We got away soon after that - and despite a flight that was horrendously bumpy in parts, including the approach to London - we had the most feather-soft landing I've ever known! Really, I couldn't believe we'd actually landed. Kudos to BA, who also came around with water while we were waiting, and rebooked one passenger headed to the States, who was going to miss her connecting flight because of our delay. Can't fault their professionalism, or their care of us. Can, however, fault bloody Terminal 3, where they'd by now closed all the e-passport gates, so we had to queue at the manned ones. Which were mostly open. It was after midnight when I got home.. hardly ever have I been so glad to be back.

Still exhausted today, even after a good night's sleep. Tonight, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats, at Sadler's Wells, for the Hofesh Schechter Company grand finale.

Tomorrow, I was at another talk with Walks, Talks and Treasure Hunts - this one, at Southwark Cathedral, is about the River Effra, South London's Secret Spine. Another free Eventbrite event, this is to publicise a book about the subject, and the talk is again given by the author. Another thing that had no tickets, then it did (no notification)! Now I've changed though, and will be off with Up in the Cheap Seats to Loot, at the Park Theatre. Got the last £20 ticket, yay! Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On Monday, I was off to Showstopper! at the Lyric. Ticket courtesy of From the Box Office again. I have actually seen this before - but, being an improvised musical, it literally is different every time! But you'll never guess - the Crick Crack Club finally announced their autumn schedule recently, and now, that night, I'm off to Eaten Father, Eaten Mother by Ben Haggerty. In Soho Theatre, first time in ages. Finally advertised by their Meetup group, jeez!

On Tuesday, I was back with the Scarlet Ladies, for a talk entitled 100 Women - Their Breasts, Their Stories. No longer, of course - now I'm joining London Science Talks and Museums Meetup for a talk at the Alan Turing Institute about the future of data in public life. Most pertinent, given the talk I was at recently.

Next Wednesday, Funzing (London Speaks Sessions and LDN Talks @ Night, as usual) and Jennifer Rees again - this time, a fun talk about the Psychology of Batman Villains! The first of hers for which I managed to get a 30% discount.. and it's on nice and close to me again. Seems to be a feature of her talks!

On the 21st September, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - with Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich, Random London, and DiscoverLDN.UK. But yay, I have my alternative at last! Going to some comedy I have to pay for, which will probably be better. Mae Martin is at Soho Theatre. Advertised by a group called Moxie Ladies.. good luck to them, but as they charge extra, I'm going solo.

And on the 22nd September, the same free comedy - with DiscoverLDN.UK. I rather doubt it though - don't you?

On the 23rd September, I was to do the same, but am now headed to the launch of Rob Luft's new album, Riser, at King's Place. As advertised by The London Jazz Meetup. I finally ended up paying their membership fee after booking an event with them the other day, for November, which someone is attending that I know. So I figured it was wiser!

I had booked the same free comedy, with the same group, on the 24th September, but was again saved - this time, by the World Music Meetup! They're off to see Kefaya, in Nell's Jazz and Blues bar, back in my old stomping ground of North End Road! Happy days, when I was working there..

On the 25th September, a group called Theatre and Stuff is off to see Prism, at Hampstead Theatre. They're charging extra to go with them, though - so I happily bought my own ticket. What the hey, odds are I won't know any of them anyway.

On the 26th September, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats - to see Wings, at The Young Vic. Accidentally booked standing, I think.. :-/

On the 27th September, with Up in the Cheap Seats again - for Jekyll & Hyde, presented by the National Youth Theatre, at the Ambassadors Theatre.

On the 28th September, I was with another new group: London, Surrey and Beyond.. for an event called "A Unique Experience. Olde Pub, Gerry's Private Club, 2 'i's Famous Fish 'n' Chips". Which says it all, really! But then TunedIn advertised flamenco at Sands Films.. irresistible really. So I've looked that instead. Then it's back to Ireland for the weekend again.

On the 2nd October, I had booked at Hampstead Theatre, for No One Will Tell Me How to Start a Revolution. North London Friends are attending - and charging extra, so I was going it alone! But now it turns out I'm spending the week in the Stockholm office - back on the 8th.

On the 3rd October, it was free comedy in Hammersmith - nominally. With Free Comedy Nights in Hammersmith, Wimbledon and Greenwich. So, that was easy to cancel, for Stockholm!

On the 4th October was Up in the Cheap Seats and Labour of Love, with Martin Freeman, at the Noel Coward Theatre. Cheapest tickets from the venue, for once!

On the 5th October, same group - headed to see the Company Wayne McGregor, at Sadler's Wells.

And finally! on the 6th October, headed to see Chekhov's The Seagull, at the Lyric. Third night in a row for that group - almost as busy a group as I am a person! So, four things in all I had to cancel, without refund.. what the hey, I'll doubtless be saving money in Stockholm! Expenses paid, after all.

On the 9th October, I'm finally going to see the show so many people have asked me whether I'm seeing. Ink is showing at the Duke of York's Theatre. 

On the 10th October, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Ballet Boyz at Sadler's Wells.

On the 11th October, back with Funzing for a talk on Revolution in Iran: Girl with a Gun. This will be an interview with a female Kurdish revolutionary.. on the Battersea Barge, which I believe can get choppy. Never mind. This is one I got for free, for completing a loyalty card with three talks.

On the 12th October, Let's Do This are back to St. Martin-in-the-Fields, where London Concertante is performing Bach Violin Concertos. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend again.


And on the 16th October, back at Southwark Playhouse with Up in the Cheap Seats - this time, it's for A Day By the Sea.